scholarly journals Electro-Quasistatic Animal Body Communication for Untethered Rodent Biopotential Recording

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreeya Sriram ◽  
Shitij Avlani ◽  
Matthew P. Ward ◽  
Shreyas Sen

AbstractContinuous multi-channel monitoring of biopotential signals is vital in understanding the body as a whole, facilitating accurate models and predictions in neural research. The current state of the art in wireless technologies for untethered biopotential recordings rely on radiative electromagnetic (EM) fields. In such transmissions, only a small fraction of this energy is received since the EM fields are widely radiated resulting in lossy inefficient systems. Using the body as a communication medium (similar to a ’wire’) allows for the containment of the energy within the body, yielding order(s) of magnitude lower energy than radiative EM communication. In this work, we introduce Animal Body Communication (ABC), which utilizes the concept of using the body as a medium into the domain of untethered animal biopotential recording. This work, for the first time, develops the theory and models for animal body communication circuitry and channel loss. Using this theoretical model, a sub-inch$$^3$$ 3 [1″ × 1″ × 0.4″], custom-designed sensor node is built using off the shelf components which is capable of sensing and transmitting biopotential signals, through the body of the rat at significantly lower powers compared to traditional wireless transmissions. In-vivo experimental analysis proves that ABC successfully transmits acquired electrocardiogram (EKG) signals through the body with correlation $$>99\%$$ > 99 % when compared to traditional wireless communication modalities, with a 50$$\times$$ × reduction in power consumption.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangfan Xu ◽  
Xianqun Fan ◽  
Yang Hu

AbstractEnzyme-catalyzed proximity labeling (PL) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a revolutionary approach to reveal the protein-protein interaction networks, dissect complex biological processes, and characterize the subcellular proteome in a more physiological setting than before. The enzymatic tags are being upgraded to improve temporal and spatial resolution and obtain faster catalytic dynamics and higher catalytic efficiency. In vivo application of PL integrated with other state of the art techniques has recently been adapted in live animals and plants, allowing questions to be addressed that were previously inaccessible. It is timely to summarize the current state of PL-dependent interactome studies and their potential applications. We will focus on in vivo uses of newer versions of PL and highlight critical considerations for successful in vivo PL experiments that will provide novel insights into the protein interactome in the context of human diseases.


Author(s):  
Abou-eisha A ◽  
Adel E El-din

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the possible in vivo genotoxic and carcinogenic activity associated with exposure to norgestrel (NGT) drug through employing the very recently established and adjusted genotoxic and tumorigenic methods in Drosophila melanogaster.Methods: Two in vivo genotoxic test systems were used; one detects the somatic mutation and recombination effects (somatic mutation and recombination test [SMART] wing-spot test) and the other detects the primary DNA damage (the comet test) in the body cells of D. melanogaster. On the other hand, the warts (wts)-based SMART assay is a vital genetic examination in Drosophila used to identify and characterize cancer potential of compounds.Results: Four experimental doses of NGT were used (ranging from 0.24 μM to 16 μM). NGT was found to be non-genotoxic at all tested concentrations even at the highest dose level 16 μM and failed to increase the frequency of tumors in the somatic cells of D. melanogaster.Conclusion: Our results strengthen the hypothesis that steroidal drugs might act through a non-genotoxic carcinogen mechanism where the carcinogenic properties occur by direct stimulation of cellular proliferation through a steroid receptor-mediated mechanism. In addition, the results obtained in this research work may contribute to highlighting the importance of NGT as a potent neuroprotective antioxidant drug.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Knighton ◽  
Thibault Troadec ◽  
Valerie Mazan ◽  
Patricia La Saëc ◽  
Séverine Marionneau-Lambot ◽  
...  

Herein we present the preparation of two novel cyclam-based macrocycles (te1pyp and cb-te1pyp), bearing phosphonate-appended pyridine side-arms for the coordination of copper(II) ions in the context of 64Cu PET imaging. The two ligands have been prepared through conventional protection-alkylation sequences on cyclam, and their coordination properties have been thoroughly investigated. The corresponding copper complexes have been fully characterized in the solid-state (X-Ray diffraction analysis) and in solution (EPR and UV-Vis spectroscopies). Potentiometric studies, combined with spectrometry, have also allowed us to determine their thermodynamic stability constants, confirming their high affinity for copper(II) cations. The kinetic inertness of the complexes has also been verified by acid-assisted dissociation experiments, enabling their use in 64Cu-PET imaging in mice for the first time. Indeed, the two ligands could be quantitatively radiolabeled under mild conditions, and the resulting 64Cu complexes have demonstrated excellent stability in serum. PET imaging demon-strated a set of features emerging from the combination of picolinates and phosphonate units: high stability in vivo, fast clear-ance from the body via renal elimination, and most interestingly, very low fixation in the liver. The latter is in contrast with what was observed for monopicolinate cyclam (te1pa), that had a non-negligible accumulation in the liver, owing probably to its different charge and lipophillicity. These results thus pave the way for the use of such phosphonated pyridine chelators for in vivo 64Cu-PET imaging.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Knighton ◽  
Thibault Troadec ◽  
Valerie Mazan ◽  
Patricia La Saëc ◽  
Séverine Marionneau-Lambot ◽  
...  

Herein we present the preparation of two novel cyclam-based macrocycles (te1pyp and cb-te1pyp), bearing phosphonate-appended pyridine side-arms for the coordination of copper(II) ions in the context of 64Cu PET imaging. The two ligands have been prepared through conventional protection-alkylation sequences on cyclam, and their coordination properties have been thoroughly investigated. The corresponding copper complexes have been fully characterized in the solid-state (X-Ray diffraction analysis) and in solution (EPR and UV-Vis spectroscopies). Potentiometric studies, combined with spectrometry, have also allowed us to determine their thermodynamic stability constants, confirming their high affinity for copper(II) cations. The kinetic inertness of the complexes has also been verified by acid-assisted dissociation experiments, enabling their use in 64Cu-PET imaging in mice for the first time. Indeed, the two ligands could be quantitatively radiolabeled under mild conditions, and the resulting 64Cu complexes have demonstrated excellent stability in serum. PET imaging demon-strated a set of features emerging from the combination of picolinates and phosphonate units: high stability in vivo, fast clear-ance from the body via renal elimination, and most interestingly, very low fixation in the liver. The latter is in contrast with what was observed for monopicolinate cyclam (te1pa), that had a non-negligible accumulation in the liver, owing probably to its different charge and lipophillicity. These results thus pave the way for the use of such phosphonated pyridine chelators for in vivo 64Cu-PET imaging.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Styliani Papatzani ◽  
Kevin Paine

In an effort to produce cost-effective and environmentally friendly cementitious binders. mainly ternary (Portland cement + limestone + pozzolanas) formulations have been investigated so far. Various proportions of constituents have been suggested, all, however, employing typical Portland cement (PC) substitution rates, as prescribed by the current codes. With the current paper a step by step methodology on developing low carbon footprint binary, ternary and quaternary cementitious binders is presented (PC replacement up to 57%). Best performing binary (60% PC and 40% LS (limestone)) and ternary formulations (60% PC, 20% LS, 20% FA (fly ash) or 43% PC, 20% LS 37% FA) were selected on the grounds of sustainability and strength development and were further optimized with the addition of silica fume. For the first time a protocol for successfully selecting and testing binders was discussed and the combined effect of highly pozzolanic constituents in low PC content formulations was assessed and a number of successful matrices were recommended. The present paper enriched the current state of the art in composite low carbon footprint cementitious binders and can serve as a basis for further enhancements by other researchers in the field.


Author(s):  
Esteban Real ◽  
Alok Aggarwal ◽  
Yanping Huang ◽  
Quoc V. Le

The effort devoted to hand-crafting neural network image classifiers has motivated the use of architecture search to discover them automatically. Although evolutionary algorithms have been repeatedly applied to neural network topologies, the image classifiers thus discovered have remained inferior to human-crafted ones. Here, we evolve an image classifier— AmoebaNet-A—that surpasses hand-designs for the first time. To do this, we modify the tournament selection evolutionary algorithm by introducing an age property to favor the younger genotypes. Matching size, AmoebaNet-A has comparable accuracy to current state-of-the-art ImageNet models discovered with more complex architecture-search methods. Scaled to larger size, AmoebaNet-A sets a new state-of-theart 83.9% top-1 / 96.6% top-5 ImageNet accuracy. In a controlled comparison against a well known reinforcement learning algorithm, we give evidence that evolution can obtain results faster with the same hardware, especially at the earlier stages of the search. This is relevant when fewer compute resources are available. Evolution is, thus, a simple method to effectively discover high-quality architectures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (05) ◽  
pp. 524-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Sun ◽  
Anirban Sen Gupta

AbstractThe term “nanotechnology” was coined by Norio Taniguchi in the 1970s to describe the manipulation of materials at the nano (10−9) scale, and the term “nanomedicine” was put forward by Eric Drexler and Robert Freitas Jr. in the 1990s to signify the application of nanotechnology in medicine. Nanomedicine encompasses a variety of systems including nanoparticles, nanofibers, surface nano-patterning, nanoporous matrices, and nanoscale coatings. Of these, nanoparticle-based applications in drug formulations and delivery have emerged as the most utilized nanomedicine system. This review aims to present a comprehensive assessment of nanomedicine approaches in vascular diseases, emphasizing particle designs, therapeutic effects, and current state-of-the-art. The expected advantages of utilizing nanoparticles for drug delivery stem from the particle's ability to (1) protect the drug from plasma-induced deactivation; (2) optimize drug pharmacokinetics and biodistribution; (3) enhance drug delivery to the disease site via passive and active mechanisms; (4) modulate drug release mechanisms via diffusion, degradation, and other unique stimuli-triggered processes; and (5) biodegrade or get eliminated safely from the body. Several nanoparticle systems encapsulating a variety of payloads have shown these advantages in vascular drug delivery applications in preclinical evaluation. At the same time, new challenges have emerged regarding discrepancy between expected and actual fate of nanoparticles in vivo, manufacturing barriers of complex nanoparticle designs, and issues of toxicity and immune response, which have limited successful clinical translation of vascular nanomedicine systems. In this context, this review will discuss challenges and opportunities to advance the field of vascular nanomedicine.


Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (3) ◽  
pp. 589-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. KEISER

SUMMARYSchistosomiasis and food-borne trematodiases are chronic parasitic diseases affecting millions of people mostly in the developing world. Additional drugs should be developed as only few drugs are available for treatment and drug resistance might emerge. In vitro and in vivo whole parasite screens represent essential components of the trematodicidal drug discovery cascade. This review describes the current state-of-the-art of in vitro and in vivo screening systems of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica and the intestinal fluke Echinostoma caproni. Examples of in vitro and in vivo evaluation of compounds for activity are presented. To boost the discovery pipeline for these diseases there is a need to develop validated, robust high-throughput in vitro systems with simple readouts.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Lewke ◽  
Matthias Koitzsch ◽  
Martin Schellenberger ◽  
Lothar Pfitzner ◽  
Heiner Ryssel ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThis paper presents Thermal Laser Separation (TLS) as a novel dicing technology for silicon carbide (SiC) wafers. Results of this work will play an important role in improving the SiC dicing process regarding throughput and edge quality. TLS process parameters were developed for separating 4H-SiC wafers. Separated SiC dies were analyzed and compared with results produced with current state of the art blade dicing technology. For the first time, fully processed 100 mm 4H-SiC wafers with a thickness of 450 μm, including epi-layer and back side metal layers, could be separated with feed rates up to 200 mm/s. Besides the vastly improved dicing speed, the TLS separation process results in two important features of the separated SiC devices: First, edges are free of chipping and therefore of higher quality than the edges produced by blade dicing. Second, the TLS process is kerf free, which allows for reducing the necessary dicing street width and hence increasing the number of devices per wafer.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1880-1880
Author(s):  
Georg Seifert ◽  
Patrick Jesse ◽  
Aram Prokop ◽  
Tobias Reindl ◽  
Stephan Lobitz ◽  
...  

Abstract Mistletoe (Viscum album) is one of the most used alternative cancer therapies applied as monotherapy or in combination with conventional therapies. Anti-tumor effects of mistletoe (MT) extracts were related to cytostatic and immunomodulatory effects observed in vitro. Aqueous MT extracts contain the three mistletoe lectins I, II and III as one predominant group of biologically active agents. The MT lectins inhibit protein biosynthesis by inactivating the 60S ribosomal subunit. Mistletoe lectin-I (ML-I) is one important apoptosis inducing compound. It is a heterodimer that consists of a cytotoxic A-chain (ribosome inactivating protein, RIP type 1) linked by a carbohydrate binding B-chain for cellular lectin uptake. However, although MT is widely used, there is a lack of scientific preclinical and clinical data. Here, we describe for the first time efficacy and mechanism of MT extracts against lymphoblastic leukemia in vitro and in vivo. For this purpose, we first investigated both the cytotoxic effect and mechanism of action of two standardized aqueous MT extracts (MT obtained from fir trees (MT-A); MT obtained from pine trees (MT-P)) and isolated ML-I, in three human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines (NALM-6, sup-B-15 and REH). MT-A, MT-P and ML-I clearly inhibited cell proliferation as determined by LDH reslease assays at very low concentrations (ML-I LD50 from 0,05 ng/ml to 10 ng/ml depending on the host tree) with MT-P being the most cytotoxic extract. The mechanism of cell death was determined by DNA-fragmentation assays. These indicated dose dependent induction of apoptosis as the main mechanism of cell death. Finally, we evaluated the efficacy of MT-A and MT-P in an in vivo SCID-model of pre-B ALL (NALM-6). For this purpose, mice (n=8/group) were injected i.v. with 1 × 106NALM6 cells and treated by intraperitoneal injections four times per week for 3 weeks (day 1–4; 7–11; 14–18) at varying doses (1, 5 and 50 mg/Kg (plant weight/body weight)). Mice (n=8) treated with PBS and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg, once on day 1) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Toxicity, peripheral blood counts, bodyweight and survival was determined over time. Interestingly, both MT extracts in all tested concentrations significantly improved survival (up to 55,4 days) in contrast to controls (34,6 days). Furthermore, no hematologic side effects were observed from this treatment as indicated by completely stable blood counts. Also the body weight of treated animals remained stable over time indicating a complete absence of systemic toxicity in the selected dose range. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time efficacy and mechanism of MT extracts against ALL in vitro and in vivo and hereby provide an important base line for the design of clinical trials with these compounds.


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